Cats on Cats on Cats

PreS-Gr 3–A giggle-filled story about the importance of expressing our true feelings and asking rather than assuming. Beatrix loves spending time with Granny, but worries that she will be lonely when they are apart. ­Going off the assumption that all grannies like cats, she gives one to hers. In turn, Granny assumes that Beatrix must love cats, and would therefore like more cats. It doesn’t take long before Beatrix is driven to extreme measures in an attempt to return things to the way they were; the resulting near-disaster opens the door for true communication. Humor is often the best ­teacher of practical skills, and this book makes good use of the technique. The story is told in a simple way that is balanced and complemented by the digital illustrations, which consist of solid pastel colors and minimal linework in an informal style. The energy of the characters’ actions adds to the fun, as do the many vignettes in the background. The human characters have a wide variety of skin tones, with Beatrix and her granny shown with light brown skin. The cats are given dazed expressions that add to the annoyance and chaos they create. Dynamic spreads highlight the story’s climactic peril.